PHYSICAL SECURITY

Video monitoring is a key component of a comprehensive physical security plan as mandated in NERC CIP 014 and as described in the NERC Security Guideline for the Electricity Sector. Video monitoring plays an important role in preventing and investigating various types of security threats including theft, unauthorized access, vandalism and sabotage to the critical infrastructure. Unmanned remotes sites provide an easy target for intruders. Security threats at remote facilities are constant with the theft of copper and other high value components and material. Copper theft is not only an asset loss but is also a danger to the intruder and utility personnel as the copper is often taken from live systems.

Intelligent video monitoring systems can automatically detect intrusions and send notifications so that operators can alert authorities and dispatch of security personnel. The monitoring system can also record and archive events to provide authorities with video evidence of the crime.

Video monitoring is an important tool to meet regulatory compliance for physical security of critical infrastructure. A video system with built in intelligence and analytics can meet the most important criteria that is outlined in the NERC CIP Critical Infrastructure Guidelines for Physical Security including the ability to: detect and deter intruders, assess situations and communicate with remote alert messages, respond with triggered lights and alarms, intelligently analyze the video inputs and provide the ability to audit with archived records.

Video can be linked with other physical security systems such as access control to provide positive visual identification of personnel or vehicles entering the site through controlled gates and doors. A video system integrated with other physical security systems provides a comprehensive security strategy.